The Continental Congress unanimously voted for Independence from England on July 2nd, 1776.

Most everyone remembers that John Hancock was the first person to sign the Declaration, given his large signature at the bottom. Most have forgotten that he was the President of the Continental Congress.

The written Declaration of Independence is dated July 4th, 1776, however, that “final” Declaration wasn’t actually signed until August 2nd, 1776 in Philadelphia, PA, thanks in no small part to staunch opposition of Independence by the New York colony (who favored reconciliation).

Five delegates signed after the August 2nd, 1776 party. These included Elbridge Gerry, Oliver Wolcott, Lewis Morris, Matthew Thornton and Thomas McKean.

The official, printed copies approved by the Continental Congress omitted the signature Delaware’s Thomas McKean — being the last to sign, well after August 2nd, 1776. Some early “final” copies show the number of signing delegates at 55 instead of 56.

Four Continental Congress delegates opposed Independence (tho their States approved) and never signed: George Clinton (New York), Robert R. Livingston (New York), Thomas Willing (Pennsylvania), and John Dickinson (Delaware).

The American Revolutionary War ended with the signing of Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783. That’s when we actually gained our Independence.

Thomas Jeffersion and John Adams, considered two of the three writers of the Declaration of Independence (along with Ben Franklin), both coincidentally died on July 4th, 1826 — the 50th anniversary of the final draft of the Declaration of Independence.

Despite being adopted as a Federal Holiday by Congress in 1870, it took until 1938 for Congress to declare Independence Day a Paid Federal Holiday.

History notes over. Happy Indepedence Day! You can now return to your family, friends, fireworks, barbecue and beer. 😉

In a surprise move yesterday, July 4th, 2007, 24-year-old Al Gore III proved that he’s more honest than his father, Al Gore, Jr. Apparently excercising his own form of “independence,” the privileged pothead was pulled over and arrested for driving more than 100mph, and for possession of Marijuana and a number of other drugs… While high…
The Al Gore, Jr., camp quickly came to the rescue, offering the explanation that the entire thing is a pubilicity stunt to show people that the hybrid-electric Toyota Prius can be driven at excessive speeds, therefore making it a reliable and viable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered combustion engines, all the while getting 55mpg.

Apparently, Al Gore, Jr., thinks the rest of us are as full of shit as he is.

It’s also worth noting the fact that a 1981 Subaru 1600DL would get 52mpg, and the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier with the 1.8 OHC would get 49mpg, without all the excess hybridization… Those are actual mileages from real-time, personal experience.
Instead of burning a little gas, Al Gore would have us all drive cars which are put together with numerous refined gases and petrochemical products. This, of course, shows a need for more petrochemical refineries and plastic manufacturing plants, in addition to the astounding increase in global energy usage to manufacture things “a new way.”
So, ummm, isn’t that certainly worse for emissions than a few more gas-guzzling SUV’s…? All so that we can add a measly 5-8mpg?
Am I missing something, or does the math not work? Shouldn’t we be doing better?

Today’s our country’s most important historic holiday, Independence Day, July 4th. It commemorates the signing of our Declaration of Independence, the document which began the American Revolution and outlined, in no uncertain terms, that our “colony” would revolt from tyranny and come into it’s own.
Last year, I wrote about the history of fireworks during the celebration, mostly because I kept hearing people complain about them. It amazes me how people can forget history and sentiment so easily…

Fireworks are beautiful, large and loud. A proud display can give even those with the hardest hearts a smile, and a small display makes us wish for more.
They’re also one of my favorite things to take photos of — freehand, without a tripod.

Last year’s complaint has this year been replaced by, “Why do we have cookouts and drink beer?”

For the very same reason I enjoy taking photos of fireworks. For the same reason we can drive over to a secluded place and set off a massive display. For the same we complain about “our loss of Freedoms” so much…
The reason is simple:

Because we can.

As Americans, we take for granted what’s missing most everywhere else. Like it’s been said a million times, “With Freedom comes great responsibility.” As long as we can continue to act responsibly, we’ll never lose that.